Trebbiano Abruzzese

Also known as Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (as a wine).

Trebbiano Abruzzese is a white grape of Abruzzo, distinct from the far more common Trebbiano Toscano despite the shared name and frequent confusion in the vineyard (it has also historically been muddled with Bombino Bianco). It is the variety behind the finest examples of Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, most famously the long-lived, mineral wines of estates such as Valentini and Emidio Pepe.

In careful hands Trebbiano Abruzzese yields whites of surprising structure, depth and ageing capacity — well beyond the neutral, high-yield reputation of Trebbiano Toscano — with citrus, orchard-fruit and saline notes. Much of what is bottled as generic Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, however, is actually Trebbiano Toscano or Bombino, since true Trebbiano Abruzzese is comparatively scarce.